W Honolulu-Diamond Head
Kalakaua Ave
Located a mere 15 mins stroll from the craziness of Waikiki, this intimate 48 room property is both an oasis of calm in which you can 'get away' from the mad crowds, as well as in great proximity to the action. There is a sorta private beach adjacent to the property which isn't nearly as busy as Waikiki, but it did not have nearly as great a deal of eye candy either.
I arrived in the morning, and my first impression of the Living Room was that it's quite dead. No music playing, not a single soul apart from the staff, and no bar.
It's a chic place, but lacks much of the chilled out atmosphere that makes other Living Rooms so great to hang out/pose/people watch in.
I booked this stay as an award, and was upgraded to a Cool Corner King room on the 9th floor. The open air hallways added to the resort-feel of the place. The room was spacious and came with 2 balconies - one of them had pleasant views of the ocean.
I like the rather unique room - a rather fashionable and chic, yet simple design with a Hawaiian accent. But it didn't look like a lot of thought had been put into the bathroom. A pretty functional bathroom, but nothing creative at all about it. Were it not for the Bliss toiletries the bathroom could just be one in a Sheraton or Hilton room. Though I did like the v practical shower stall - which had a glass door to ensure there's no water spillage (I find the shower curtains a hit/miss in that regard).
The service here was incredible. Everyone's super friendly, and v helpful - particular kudos to the bartenders at
Wonderlounge, and the
Whatever/Whenever agents. As this is a small property, the service was warm and personalised - everyone knew my name and made an effort to chat. There was also turndown service where rooms would be replenished with Bliss toiletries and towels, as well as the obligatory chocies on the bed.
The music did come on in the latter parts of the day. And my fears that this property would be dead were unfounded when I hung out at
Wonderlounge, on the 2nd floor of the hotel over the weekend - the place shakes! Free drinks at the backroom (no not THAT kind of backroom
) 9-11pm whilst they set things up. This has to be the most happening W club I've ever experienced full stop, and in fact is one of the best clubs in Honolulu. I will write more about the
Wonderlounge in my Honolulu installment. For those who are not into the club scene, the advice from the bartenders is to avoid floors 3-4 if staying over the weekend unless you want to be part of the party.
I also had dinner at the inhouse resto, the Diamond Head Bar and Grill - an excellent feed at decent prices. Cuisine's modern Hawaiian, with a mix of everything.
Overall, an extremely good property with a
Wonderful vibe and
Whimsical elements! They could do more with the Living Room, but I guess a Living Room is only as good as the crowd makes it and in Hawaii - I'd want to be sitting out by the beach anyway. Maybe a beachside Living Room?
Next: Honolulu